SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are constantly evolving due to changes in the genetic code (genetic mutations) that occur during replication of the gene. A genus is a genetically closely related group of virus variants that originate from a common ancestor. One variant has one or more mutations that distinguish it from other variants of SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
  • Variant Being Monitored (VBM):  Alpha (B.1.1.7 and Q lineages), Beta (B.1.351 and descendent lineages), Gamma, Epsilon, Eta, Iota, Zeta
  • Variant of Interest (VOI)
  • Variant of Concern (VOC): Delta, Omicron
  • Variant of High Consequence (VOHC)